Foot pain while running.

[RancidSumo]

I was running a couple miles today and near the last half to quarter mile I started getting pretty bad pain in the sole of my left foot every time I stepped with it.

I was wearing minimalist shoes (Vibram KSOs). I haven't used them much, only a half dozen times or so, so I'm thinking it probably is something messed up in my form. Any idea what I could be doing to cause this? It made the last couple laps almost impossible to run.

[donlapalma]

Could be plantar fasciitis?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantar_fasciitis

[seanhagerty]

Try new shoes and see what happens.

[Dos Cylindros]

You could also be flat foot striking with your left which might cause what you describe. I really suspect it is the vibrams, as I have not bought off on the whole minimalist/barefoot running craze. I cna't see how it would be good for you body to run with minimal or no foot support.

[R3V3LATIONS]

It may be the sole of your shoe coupled with the arch of your foot. Before buying anythings, I would look up local running stores, where an industry professional can take a look at your foot and tell you at least what inserts to buy, stretches to do etc. as opposed to ebaying or going to a general sporting goods store. my .02

[Militant83]

Due to the lack of sole on the vibrams you could have possibly created some sort of stress fracture toward the heel of your foot.

[Dos Cylindros]

Due to the lack of sole on the vibrams you could have possibly created some sort of stress fracture toward the heel of your foot.

My thought as well. I really am a big advocate of supportive shoe with lots of shock absorbing material in the sole. I really think they go along way toward warding off injury during long distance runs. If you are only going a couple of miles a day I don't see it as a huge issue. I know that when I upped my mileage to a minimum of five mile runs, four times a week, I started noticing pains that were not there before. Once I found a shoe that worked well for me, and my body adjusted to the increaced miles, the pain went away.

[rdbse]

I agree that you are experiencing plantar fasciitis and part of problem could be your choice of foot wear.

Try a more supportive shoe. You may not need a full motion control shoe, just something with a little more arch support.

Also, plantar issues vary, but you could start with massaging the area, gentle stretching, ice, anti-inflammatories, and rest.

[Naxet1959]

Rancid- I just switched to the KSO myself. Found an issue with my left foot but on the top of the left insole. I stopped, loosened the velcro strap and it went away. Not scientific but worth a try.

I had been running barefoot and loving it but didn't like the thought of stubbing a toe or stepping on something I hadn't seen. The last 2 runs have been in 18 degree weather and after 4 miles, the toes are aching from cold. I used Injinji wool socks but when the wind blew (single digit wind chill), not fun. So I'm thinking of ways to windblock them... But what a great way to run!

[300WM]

It could be form. They require good form when you use them simply because of the risk of injury. How often do you run? How many miles per run? Have you had this problem before? Do your knees ever bother you from running? What kind of surface do you run on? I know it sounds like a pain, but there is no way to determine what it could be without knowing these things. You could have a bone spur that has manifested itself, or you simply could have bruised the area earlier in the run and it did not start to bother you until later in the run. Plantars Fasciitis is a condition. It does not just show up. If you have this condition, you would almost positively have had symptoms prior to this particular run, unless the condition is just beginning to manifest itself. Rest your foot for a few days and try to avoid carrying heavy objects for long periods. If it is a minor problem, just a couple of days of rest will help, even if you are older. If the problem does not begin to subside after a few days of rest, you should see a professional. I would see a Podiatrist who may in turn recommend you to an Orthopedic Dr. Good luck.